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Topic: Where to brace your turbo? (Read 3982 times)

My manifold has been developing cracks, most likely due to the weight of the turbo and downpipe. I got them TIG welded up properly, but to prevent it happening again, I was wondering where you guys might brace to?

I was thinking, there are two holes in the gearbox housing you could bolt an inch wide bit of 1/8" or 1/4" plate to each, and weld the other end of each plate to the same place on the downpipe where it curves round to the flange?

In the picture above, you can see I fitted 2 longer exhaust manifold studs and put 2 nuts on. Was thinking of bolting a bit of plate here and somehow bracing to where the downpipe bolts onto the turbo?

Any suggestions? There's not many places to bolt to. You could weld bits everywhere, but then what a nightmare when you need to change the turbo or gaskets etc.

This is what a guy at an engineering company came up with. Its TIG welded and seems to be very supportive. Its enough to take the weight of the turbo/exhaust off the manifold. Couldn't think where else to brace from. Not the prettiest but its not the worst. Im just caring about function over form here lol.

Pete, I do have it supported under the inlet manifold too.

Andy, its very close but its not fouling on anything.

Another problem with these manifolds is that the steel flange [where it bolts to the head] tends to bow. Had to get it skimmed yesterday as it was blowing out both sides. New gaskets are coming tomorrow so hopefully this is the end of my exhaust manifold woes.

This mod has been perfect so far. The brace takes all the weight, so all the manifold bolts (I replaced the studs with bolts. Easier to remove the manifold) are just there to secure the manifold in place. They take zero weight. The car has never been so quiet highly recommended!